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Research Progress Report, no. 098 (Mar. 1964)

Page 001

Research Progress Report 98
March, 1964
Population Build-up of the Cereal Leaf Beetle and the Apparent Influence of Wind on Dispersion
Richard E. Shade and M. Curtis Wilson, Department of Entomology
SUMMARY
A study to determine the extent of population build-up in the area of Indiana known to be infested by the cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopa (L.), was repeated in 1963, using the same sampling technique as used in 1962. Results showed a ten-fold increase in infestation in this limited area over one year.
A study was also made of prevailing winds in the area during the period from May 1 to June 30, when the adult beetles were most active. A wind-rose was calculated and plotted on a map of the tri-state Michigan, Indiana and Ohio region as was the known peripheral infestation points of the cereal leaf beetle. Comparison of the wind-rose with the peripheral infestation points indicates that insect movement has been in the direction of prevailing wind-carry. Infestations fit the wind-rose so closely as to suggest that wind may be the major factor influencing dispersion.
INTRODUCTION
The cereal leaf beetle, a sporadic pest in certain parts of Europe for many years, was first identified on the North American continent in 1962. It was found in southwestern Michigan in July of that year and in adjacent counties of Indiana in August (Favinger and Moussa, 1963). Since then it has been found in 25 counties in Indiana, 15 in Michigan and 6 in Ohio. Its rapid spread and the severe damage it causes in heavily infested fields indicate that the cereal leaf beetle may become the most serious pest to invade the Corn Belt since the European corn borer.
In 1963, the weather caused tremendous fluctuation in the beetle's activity. Latter March saw temperatures in the 80's, while May had some sub-freezing temperatures.
Beetles were observed coming out of hibernation on March 27, and eggs were found on April 6. Heavy deposits of eggs were observed by mid-April, but no hatch until May 2. Peak egg hatch occurred during the third week in May, but oviposition continued into late June. Both egg laying and hatching extended over 6 to 8 weeks and was tempered only by periods of cold weather during April and May. Larvae matured in 1 week to 3 weeks before
The authors express their appreciation to Lawrence Schaal, State Climatologist, U.S. Department of Commerce, Lafayette, Indiana for his consultation and suggestions in constructing the wind-roses used in this report.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY • Agricultural Experiment Station • Lafayette, Indiana

Research Progress Report 98
March, 1964
Population Build-up of the Cereal Leaf Beetle and the Apparent Influence of Wind on Dispersion
Richard E. Shade and M. Curtis Wilson, Department of Entomology
SUMMARY
A study to determine the extent of population build-up in the area of Indiana known to be infested by the cereal leaf beetle, Oulema melanopa (L.), was repeated in 1963, using the same sampling technique as used in 1962. Results showed a ten-fold increase in infestation in this limited area over one year.
A study was also made of prevailing winds in the area during the period from May 1 to June 30, when the adult beetles were most active. A wind-rose was calculated and plotted on a map of the tri-state Michigan, Indiana and Ohio region as was the known peripheral infestation points of the cereal leaf beetle. Comparison of the wind-rose with the peripheral infestation points indicates that insect movement has been in the direction of prevailing wind-carry. Infestations fit the wind-rose so closely as to suggest that wind may be the major factor influencing dispersion.
INTRODUCTION
The cereal leaf beetle, a sporadic pest in certain parts of Europe for many years, was first identified on the North American continent in 1962. It was found in southwestern Michigan in July of that year and in adjacent counties of Indiana in August (Favinger and Moussa, 1963). Since then it has been found in 25 counties in Indiana, 15 in Michigan and 6 in Ohio. Its rapid spread and the severe damage it causes in heavily infested fields indicate that the cereal leaf beetle may become the most serious pest to invade the Corn Belt since the European corn borer.
In 1963, the weather caused tremendous fluctuation in the beetle's activity. Latter March saw temperatures in the 80's, while May had some sub-freezing temperatures.
Beetles were observed coming out of hibernation on March 27, and eggs were found on April 6. Heavy deposits of eggs were observed by mid-April, but no hatch until May 2. Peak egg hatch occurred during the third week in May, but oviposition continued into late June. Both egg laying and hatching extended over 6 to 8 weeks and was tempered only by periods of cold weather during April and May. Larvae matured in 1 week to 3 weeks before
The authors express their appreciation to Lawrence Schaal, State Climatologist, U.S. Department of Commerce, Lafayette, Indiana for his consultation and suggestions in constructing the wind-roses used in this report.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY • Agricultural Experiment Station • Lafayette, Indiana